If I’ve learnt anything this year so far, it’s that we could all do with giving ourselves a bloody break once in a while. It’s okay not to be “on it” every minute of the day, it’s okay not to be productive every single day of your life and it’s certainly okay to feel like crap – for a multitude of reasons or for no reason at all – every now and again. One of the main changes I’ve made to my life this year is listening to my body and mind and giving myself what I need or want at any given time rather than ignoring it and powering through when I really shouldn’t be.
I’ve incorporated this mind-set into food; after I set myself some food-related goals at the beginning of the year and realised they were doing more harm than good and encouraging restrictive eating rather than intuitive eating. I’ve also incorporated this into my exercise routine; I do a lot of Yoga – every day if I can – but some days, it just doesn’t work out. And that’s fine. I’ve just learnt to roll with the tide whenever I’m not feeling 100% for whatever reason and I’ll let you in to a secret… it will change your life.
So, with my new mind-set in mind and my new lust for “doing what feels right” mentality, how has that affected things? Well, like I said, I’m learning to cut myself some God damn slack. Nobody wants to feel crap but at the end of the day, we’re going to at some point or another. Break-ups, arguments, illness, stress – you name it. And it’s times like these where we need to do what’s right for us, focus on our self-care and treat ourselves because we deserve it. Here’s some things that I like to treat myself to when I’m feeling like sh*t:
A massage
I have a wonderful lady who I’ve been having massages with for over a year now and when you’re stressed or not feeling 100%, I couldn’t recommend going for a massage enough. The relaxing music, the smell of the oils and release of all that tension really is the epitome of self-care for me.
A new book
You all know I love books and reading is my biggest hobby and biggest passion so I think when we’re feeling shite, we need to revert back to that thing we love, that thing that’s ours, that thing that you wouldn’t be you without. For me, that’s books. Throw me in a library and I’ll already feel 10x better (don’t literally throw me).
A takeaway
Restrictive eating and diet culture can do one and that’s another thing I’ve learnt this year. “Bad” food or “cheat” food is just another way for society to make us feel awful about what we’re eating and about ourselves. It’s food. We literally need it to survive. I’m not saying always eating junk food and takeaways is the way to go but what I am saying is that if you fancy a McDonald’s or a pizza just eat one. Especially if you feel crap and that’s one thing that’s going to make you happy for a little while.
A nap
Not all “treats” have to be physical things that we need to use money to pay for! I think a nap is the perfect way to take care of yourself when you’re feeling crap. I’ve learnt to listen to my body and if it’s telling me to nap, then I do. Even if it’s in the middle of the day but if you’re having a crap day, a nap is never a bad idea.
Playing a game for hours and doing no work
I’m such a goal-orientated and motivated person that I find it hard to switch off from “to-do list mode”. I always have to be doing something, in order to achieve something else and when I’m feeling rubbish, the work I do is going to be rubbish as well. So there’s no point in forcing something. When I’m in this sort of state, I try and forget about anything productive and play a game for hours instead. It’s a great way to switch off and my games of choice are usually The Sims, Rollercoaster Tycoon or Spyro the Dragon!
When I feel like crap, it’s usually a takeaway, or give myself a face mask/facial.
Books and lush products are my go-to buys x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Haven’t bought anything from Lush in forever x
With retail therapy I tend to go for books, my favourite sandwich, or feelgood movies. If I don’t want to spend anything, I’ll game, watch said feelgood movies (or Friends reruns let’s be honest), or go all out using my skin and hair products 😀
Haha friends reruns are always a good option! 🙂 xxx
I’m terrible for treating myself to pizza and new make up – but we’ve all got to have treats! x
Definitely! I could really eat a dominos right now! xxx
I love treating myself to a new book. Also definitely a nap too! Especially as the weather is getting a bit colder, I love getting all snuggled up under my blankets. I also like to go on Netflix and look for a new show to watch.
Clem xx
http://www.clemloves.co.uk
Oh my god same! And snuggling a hot water bottle! xxx
A nap and massage for me. I also have an amazing lady that does reflexology and food treats too. It’s just when the feeling rubbish lasts a long time I struggle.
Reflexology sounds wonderful!
It really is! The first time I went she picked up on my ear problems without me telling her. It’s so relaxing and you can target certain health issues too. I’d definitely recommend it. X
I love drawing or working on my blog or a nap! It mostly depends on my mood <3
https://octoberslallu.blogspot.com/
Yep definitely depends on mood too! xxx
Doing something fun for an extended period of time really really does help, but it can be hard for me to focus on having fun and stop worrying about whatever’s stressing me out at the moment >.<
Same I really struggle to switch off too.
I usually treat myself to a trip to the bookstore 🙂
Sounds perfect 🙂 xxx
playing a game for a few hours you really do feel better, taking time off and being someone else is an amazing.
Totally agree! I love getting really into the lives of my Sims xxx
Mine is definitely a hot bath with a scented bath bomb and a good book 🧖🏼♀️💕
Or curling up with my dog and watching a movie 🐶 xxx
Sounds perfect 🙂 zz
I love this Jenny! There’s a weird focus at the moment on always being productive, even in your free time, and I find it a bit dangerous. We are totally allowed to lounge around when we feel like it, and to just enjoy junk food, junk tv and sleeping! It definitely helps cheer me up when I’m really sad.
Beth x
There really is, I’ve noticed that too. Although I’ve always struggled with down time and allowing myself to relax and not be productive, actually seeing that sort of behaviour being praised really concerns me because it’s not healthy xxx
Haven’t gotten a massage in ages. Should treat myself to that!
I love hot baths, reading a book, dancing, nature walks, solo coffee dates when I feel like a me-time. Will check out the games you mentioned. Are these solo games?
– Aditi
http://www.aditispen.com
Consider this your reminder to book yourself a massage! Yep all solo games xxx
I’ve been going through something similar recently and have been reevaluating my life trying to find a better balance, after finding myself exhausted all the time. Reading is always something I can lose myself in, as is writing. Spending more time with family and friends. And a good cup of tea!
Oh you can’t beat a PROPER good cup of tea can you? 🙂
You definitely can’t!
I always have a long bath and takeaway when I’m down xx
Sounds perfect! 🙂 xxx
I treat myself to some of the same things as you but unfortunately nothing has really been cheering me up recently. Maybe I might buy a game or something frivolous and see does that work.
Oh no, still focusing on self care is important however futile it might seem. I really hope you find something soon xxx
This was really good, I loved it!! I didn’t think taking naps would help so much, I usually do blogging, go through instagram lol, watch youtube or movies, read, play board games, go walking, so shopping…
Loved this post!!!!! 😀 <3
They really do! Xxx
I work out! Exercise makes me feel so much better!
Yoga definitely makes me feel better but sometimes I just don’t have the mental energy
That’s true, I find pausing and listening to what I actually want to do in that precise moment, helps, then I can throw myself into the activity- yoga, gym, dance, roller skating, meditation- and enjoy it more 🙂
Honestly, I love a good shower 😂 it’s perfect for when I need to relax but don’t have enough time to do something else.
Haha that’s a really good shout! I like putting my music on in the shower and pretending I’m on stage where no one can see me 😂
These are great tips, Jenny! Whenever I feel boredom creeping along, I always end up looking for new books to read on either Goodreads or Amazon.
☼ cabin twenty-four
Always a great way to curb boredom! xxx
Great post! I try to keep my treats quite small, like a small plush, but there’s nothing better than starting a new book when I’m feeling down!
Oh yeah you definitely don’t need to splash out in order to treat yourself 🙂 I rarely buy myself anything tbh! xxx
I love this!! Self-care is so important and it’s something that we often push to the side. It’s amazing what a good nap or a new book can do to refresh your soul and give your life some new encouragement and perspective! ☺️
I totally agree 🙂 xxx
A new book is always a treat!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Definitely 🙂 cxx